Absorbent article with raised body conforming structure

ABSTRACT

An absorbent article includes a body side liner, a back sheet, an absorbent body positioned between the body side liner and the back sheet, and a body conforming structure positioned in direct facing relation with the body side liner. The body conforming structure length is at least 50% the absorbent body length and is aligned with a longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article. The median anterior portion width of the body conforming structure is greater than the median central portion width of the body conforming structure which is greater than the median posterior portion width of the body conforming structure. The anterior portion includes a well, the central portion includes a channel, and the posterior portion includes a taper. The well transitions into the channel via a first convex transition and a concave transition. The channel transitions into the taper via a second convex transition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, andincontinence pads are designed to absorb and retain fluid dischargesfrom the human body. It is desirable that such absorbent articlesconform to the body of the wearer during use. An absorbent article withbody conforming structure can increase the effectiveness of theabsorbent article by reducing the possibility that fluids such as mensesor urine will leak past the perimeter of the absorbent article.Additionally, an absorbent article with body conforming structure canalso be more comfortable to wear as compared to similar absorbentarticles without the body conforming structure.

Maintaining an absorbent article, such as an incontinence pad, in theproper position relative to the body of the wearer is difficult becauseof external forces exerted upon the absorbent article under dynamicconditions. These external forces may be a result of the attachment ofthe absorbent garment to the wearer's clothes or may be a result of bodymovement, in particular, thigh movement. In use, these forces may causethe absorbent article to pull away from the body or shift from thedesired position.

Previous absorbent articles have attempted to introduce body conformingelements near the body side of the absorbent article. While theseattempts have had some success, there remains a need for a raised bodyconforming structure which aligns with the female anatomy to intakefluid quickly, maintain a dry surface, distribute fluid effectivelythroughout the product, and conform to the contours of the body duringuse.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention provides an absorbent articlehaving a body side liner, a back sheet, and an absorbent body positionedbetween the body side liner and the back sheet wherein the absorbentbody defines an absorbent body length. The absorbent article alsoincludes a body conforming structure positioned in direct facingrelation with the body side liner. The body conforming structure definesa body conforming structure length that is at least 50% the absorbentbody length. The body conforming structure is aligned with alongitudinal centerline of the absorbent article. The body conformingstructure defines an anterior portion having a median anterior portionwidth, a posterior portion having a median posterior portion width, anda central portion positioned between the anterior portion and theposterior portion and having a median central portion width. The mediananterior portion width is greater than the median central portion widthand the median central portion width is greater than the medianposterior portion width. The anterior portion includes a well, thecentral portion includes a channel, and the posterior portion includes ataper. The well transitions into the channel via a first convextransition and a concave transition. The channel transitions into thetaper via a second convex transition.

In some embodiments of this aspect, the body conforming structuredefines a longitudinal centerline and a lateral centerline wherein thebody conforming structure is symmetric about the longitudinal centerlineand asymmetric about the lateral centerline.

In some embodiments of this aspect, the lateral centerline divides thebody conforming structure into an anterior portion having an anteriorportion area and a posterior portion having a posterior portion areawherein the anterior portion area is greater than the posterior portionarea.

In some embodiments of this aspect, the body conforming structure ispositioned between the body side liner and the absorbent body and thebody side liner is joined to the absorbent body at one or more shapingbonds located around a perimeter of the body conforming structure. Insome embodiments, the body side liner is joined to the absorbent body ata plurality of shaping bonds proximate the perimeter of the bodyconforming structure in the posterior portion.

In some embodiments of this aspect, the absorbent article furtherincludes a supplemental body conforming structure positioned between thebody side liner and the body conforming structure. The supplemental bodyconforming structure defines a shape and defines an area. The bodyconforming structure defines a shape and defines an area. Thesupplemental body conforming structure shape is substantially similar tothe body conforming structure shape. In some embodiments, thesupplemental body conforming structure area is less than the bodyconforming structure area.

In some embodiments of this aspect, the body conforming structure is adiscrete element positioned between the body side liner and theabsorbent body and is devoid of cellulose fibers or superabsorbent. Insome embodiments, the body conforming structure is made of a bondedcarded web of polypropylene fibers having a based weight of at least 100gsm.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an absorbent articlehaving a body side liner, a back sheet, and an absorbent body positionedbetween the body side liner and the back sheet wherein the absorbentbody defines an absorbent body length. The absorbent article furtherincludes a body conforming structure positioned in direct facingrelation with the body side liner. The body conforming structure is anonwoven fabric that is substantially devoid of cellulose fibers andsuperabsorbent material. The body conforming structure defines a bodyconforming structure length that is at least 50% the absorbent bodylength. The body conforming structure is aligned with a longitudinalcenterline of the absorbent article. The body conforming structuredefines an anterior portion having a median anterior portion width, aposterior portion having a median posterior portion width, and a centralportion positioned between the anterior portion and the posteriorportion and having a median central portion width. The median anteriorportion width is greater than the median central portion width and themedian central portion width is greater than the median posteriorportion width. The anterior portion includes a well, the central portionincludes a channel, and the posterior portion includes a taper. The welltransitions into the channel via a first convex transition and a concavetransition and wherein the channel transitions into the taper via asecond convex transition.

In some embodiments of this aspect, the body conforming structure is anonwoven fabric of bonded-carded web made of polypropylene fibers. Insome embodiments, the body conforming structure has a basis weight of atleast 200 gsm.

In some embodiments, the absorbent article defines a thickness and thebody conforming structure defines a thickness that is at least 25% thethickness of the absorbent article.

In some embodiments, the absorbent body includes a body side absorbentlayer and a retention layer positioned between the body side absorbentlayer and the backsheet. The body side absorbent layer is an airlaidmaterial and the retention layer is made of 70-90% superabsorbentmaterial.

In some embodiments, the body conforming structure defines alongitudinal centerline and a lateral centerline wherein the bodyconforming structure is symmetric about the longitudinal centerline andasymmetric about the lateral centerline. The lateral centerline dividesthe body conforming structure into an anterior portion having ananterior portion area and a posterior portion having a posterior portionarea wherein the anterior portion area is greater than the posteriorportion area.

In some embodiments of this aspect, the absorbent article furtherincludes a supplemental body conforming structure positioned between thebody side liner and the body conforming structure. The supplemental bodyconforming structure defines a shape and defines an area. The bodyconforming structure defines a shape and defines an area. Thesupplemental body conforming structure shape is substantially the sameas the body conforming structure shape and the supplemental bodyconforming structure area is less than the body conforming structurearea.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an array of absorbentarticles. The array includes a first absorbent article and a secondabsorbent article. The first absorbent article includes a first bodyside liner, a first back sheet, a first absorbent body positionedbetween the first body side liner and the first back sheet wherein thefirst absorbent body defines a first absorbent body length. The firstabsorbent article also includes a first body conforming structurepositioned in direct facing relation with the first body side liner. Thefirst body conforming structure is aligned with a longitudinalcenterline of the first absorbent article. The first body conformingstructure has a first body conforming structure length that is at least50% the first absorbent body length. The first body conforming structuredefines a first body conforming structure area, a first body conformingstructure shape, an anterior portion having a median anterior portionwidth, a posterior portion having a median posterior portion width, anda central portion positioned between the anterior portion and theposterior portion and having a median central portion width. The mediananterior portion width is greater than the median central portion widthand the median central portion width is greater than the medianposterior portion width.

The second absorbent article includes a second body side liner, a secondback sheet, a second absorbent body positioned between the second bodyside liner and the second back sheet wherein the second absorbent bodydefines a second absorbent body length. The second absorbent articlealso includes a second body conforming structure positioned in directfacing relation with the second body side liner and aligned with alongitudinal centerline of the second absorbent article. The second bodyconforming structure has a second body conforming structure length thatis at least 50% the second absorbent body length. The second bodyconforming structure defines a second body conforming structure area, asecond body conforming structure shape, an anterior portion having amedian anterior portion width, a posterior portion having a medianposterior portion width, and a central portion positioned between theanterior portion and the posterior portion and having a median centralportion width. The median anterior portion width is greater than themedian central portion width and the median central portion width isgreater than the median posterior portion width.

In the array of articles, the first absorbent body length is at least10% greater than the second absorbent body length and the first bodyconforming structure shape is substantially the same as the second bodyconforming structure shape.

In some embodiments of this aspect, the first absorbent body includes afirst absorbent body peripheral edge that defines a first absorbent bodyshape and the second absorbent body includes a second absorbent bodyperipheral edge that defines a second absorbent body shape that isdifferent than the first absorbent body shape.

In some embodiments of this aspect, the array further includes a thirdabsorbent article. The third absorbent article includes a third bodyside liner, a third back sheet, a third absorbent body positionedbetween the third body side liner and the third back sheet. The thirdabsorbent body includes an opening and defines a third absorbent bodylength. The opening defines an opening area, an opening shape, ananterior portion having a median anterior portion width, a posteriorportion having a median posterior portion width, and a central portionpositioned between the anterior portion and the posterior portion andhaving a median central portion width. The median anterior portion widthis greater than the median central portion width and the median centralportion width is greater than the median posterior portion width. Theopening includes a peripheral edge that defines an opening shape that issubstantially the same as the first body conforming structure shape andthe second body conforming structure shape.

In some embodiments of this aspect, the third absorbent body defines athird absorbent body length and the opening defines an opening lengththat is at least 50% the third absorbent body length.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 representatively illustrates a top perspective view of anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 representatively illustrates a top perspective view of theembodiment of FIG. 1 with portions cut away to illustrate underlyingstructure.

FIG. 3 representatively illustrates an expanded perspective view of theembodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 representatively illustrates a top plan view of the embodiment ofFIG. 1 with portions cut away to illustrate underlying structure.

FIG. 5 representatively illustrates a top plan view of the bodyconforming structure of FIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 6 representatively illustrates a top perspective view of anotherembodiment of the present invention with portions cut away to illustrateunderlying structure.

FIG. 7 representatively illustrates exemplary arrays of articles of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disposable absorbent articles of the present invention include abody conforming structure which aligns with the female anatomy and isbelieved to improve fit, comfort, dryness, and leakage performance. Thebody conforming structure has a geometry which aligns an anteriorportion of the body conforming structure with the urethra, a centralportion of the body conforming structure with the labia and pelvicfloor, and a posterior portion of the body conforming structure with thegluteal cleft. The body conforming structure is adapted to accept andtemporarily hold urine insults to minimize run-off. In use, the bodyconforming structure quickly becomes saturated and thus distributes theurine across a wide surface area of the absorbent article. Therelatively narrow width of the body conforming structure is believed tominimize the compressive forces generated by upper thigh movement whichcould reduce void volume. The saturated body conforming structure isthen desorbed into the absorbent body resulting in a relatively drysurface proximate the body.

FIGS. 1-4 representatively illustrate a first embodiment of a disposableabsorbent article 10 of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a topperspective view of the absorbent article 10. FIG. 2 is a topperspective view of the absorbent article 10 of FIG. 1 with portions cutaway to illustrate underlying structure. FIG. 3 is an expanded view ofthe absorbent article 10 of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a top plan view of theabsorbent article 10 of FIG. 1 with portions cut away to revealunderlying structure. The absorbent article 10 includes aliquid-permeable topsheet (also referred to as a body side liner) 20, asubstantially liquid-impermeable back sheet 22, and an absorbent body 24positioned between the back sheet 22 and the topsheet 20. The absorbentarticle 10 further includes a body conforming structure 32 in facingrelation with the topsheet 20. In some embodiments, the topsheet may belocated between the body conforming structure and the back sheet (notshown). In other embodiments, the body conforming structure 32 may belocated between the topsheet 20 and the absorbent body 24 asillustrated. In some embodiments, the absorbent articles of the presentinvention may further include containment flaps, garment attachmentadhesive, a peel strip, or combinations thereof. For example, theabsorbent article 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 includes containment flaps40 which in turn include containment elastics 42 and a containment flapcarrier web 44. Likewise, the absorbent article 10 of FIGS. 1-4 is shownwith an optional garment attachment adhesive 46 applied to the backsheet 22 and covered with a peel strip 48.

In various embodiments, the absorbent body 24 may consist of a singlelayer of material or may consist of two or more layers of material. Forexample, the absorbent body 24 may consist of two layers of material asillustrated in FIG. 3. Specifically, the absorbent body 24 may include aretention layer 26 and a body side absorbent layer 28. The retentionlayer 26 may be positioned towards the back sheet 22 and the body sideabsorbent layer 28 may be superposed over the retention layer 26 andpositioned towards the topsheet 20 as illustrated. In other embodiments,the relative orientation of the retention layer and the body sideabsorbent layer may be reversed (not illustrated). Whether a singlelayer or multiple layers, the absorbent body defines an absorbent bodylength, an absorbent body width, and an absorbent body perimeter. Theabsorbent body perimeter further defines an absorbent body area. Inembodiments wherein the absorbent body includes two or more layers, theabsorbent body length, the absorbent body width, the absorbent bodyperimeter, and the absorbent body area are defined by the furthestextent, in the plane defined by the longitudinal direction and thelateral direction, of any of the layers.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a top plan view of the body conformingstructure 32 of FIGS. 1-4 is representatively illustrated. The bodyconforming structure 32 defines a peripheral edge 33 and defines an area34. In various embodiments, the body conforming structure 32 may besymmetrical about a longitudinal centerline 50. In some embodiments, thebody conforming structure 32 may be asymmetrical about a lateralcenterline 52. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the bodyconforming structure 32 is symmetrical about the longitudinal centerline50 and asymmetrical about the lateral centerline 52.

The lateral centerline 52 divides the body conforming structure into ananterior half 64 and a posterior half 66. The anterior half 64 definesan anterior half area 65 and the posterior half 66 defines a posteriorhalf area 67. As used herein, the term “anterior” refers to the portionof the structure, layer, or article that is adapted to be orientedtowards the front of the wearer in normal use. Likewise, as used herein,the term “posterior” refers to the portion of the structure, layer, orarticle that is adapted to be oriented towards the back of the wearer innormal use. In various embodiments, the anterior half area 65 is greaterthan the posterior half area 67.

The body conforming structures 32 of the present invention also definean anterior portion 56, a posterior portion 60, and a central portion 58positioned between the anterior portion 56 and the posterior portion 60.The anterior portion 56 is defined as the anterior third of the bodyconforming structure, the central portion 58 is defined as the middlethird of the body conforming structure, and the posterior portion 60 isdefined as the posterior third of the body conforming structure, all asmeasured relative to the longitudinal centerline 50.

The absorbent articles of the present invention may include lateral sideedges of any suitable shape. For example, the lateral side edges may bestraight or may have arcuate shapes such as concave curves, convexcurves, or combinations thereof. Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 4, theabsorbent article 10 is illustrated with lateral side edges 53 that areconcave. The combination of the two lateral side edges 53 in thisembodiment combine to create a curved shape. Likewise, the absorbentbody of the present invention may include lateral side edges of anysuitable shape. For example, the lateral side edges of the absorbentbody may be straight or may have arcuate shapes, such as concave curves,convex curves, or combinations thereof. Likewise, one or more of thelayers of the absorbent body may include lateral side edges that arestraight, concave, convex, or combinations thereof. For example,referring now to FIG. 4, the bodyside absorbent layer 28 and theretention layer 26 are both illustrated with lateral side edges 54 thatare concave. The concave lateral side edges 54 define a minimum width61.

In some embodiments, the minimum width of the bodyside absorbent layeris generally aligned with the lateral centerline of the body conformingstructure (not illustrated). In some embodiments, the minimum width 61of the bodyside absorbent layer 28 is aligned between the lateralcenterline of the body conforming structure 32 and the anterior portion56 of the body conforming structure 32 as illustrated in FIG. 4.

As illustrated, the anterior portion 56 of the body conforming structure32 includes a well portion 110 that is generally rectangular in shapeand has a relatively wide lateral dimension. In use, the well portion110 is adapted to be positioned adjacent to the user's urethra. Thispositioning in conjunction with this shaping of the well portion 110 isbelieved to minimize folding of the absorbent article in this region andthereby preserve the void volume of the well portion 110 to receive bodyfluids.

Likewise, the central portion 58 of the body conforming structure 32includes a channel portion 112 that is generally rectangular in shapeand has a longitudinal dimension that is greater than the lateraldimension. In use, the channel portion 112 is adapted to be positionedproximate the labia. This positioning in conjunction with this shapingof the channel portion 112 is believed to allow compression of theabsorbent article 10 by the user's legs while still allowing fluid tomove freely between the anterior portion 56 and the posterior portion60.

The posterior portion 60 of the body conforming structure 32 includes ataper portion 114 that is generally shaped like an acute triangle inwhich the smallest of the three angles is located at the posterior endof the shape. In various embodiments, the taper portion 114 may come toa relatively sharp corner (not illustrated) or may come to a morerounded corner like illustrated in FIG. 5. In use, the taper portion 114is adapted to be positioned proximate the gluteal cleft. Thispositioning in conjunction with this shaping of the taper portion 114 isbelieved to promote a longitudinal peak in the posterior portion of theabsorbent article that aligns with the gluteal cleft.

The transition between the well portion and the channel portion ismarked by a distinct but gentle change in curvature. In someembodiments, the longitudinal edges 119 of the well portions 110 includesections 121 that are generally parallel to the longitudinal centerline50. Likewise, in some embodiments, the longitudinal edges 119 of thechannel portions 112 include sections 123 that are generally parallel tothe longitudinal centerline 50. In these and other embodiments, the wellportions 110 transition into the channel portions 112 with both a firstconvex transition 117 and a concave transition 116 along bothlongitudinal edges 119. The first convex transition 117 may define anysuitable angle 167. In some embodiments, the angle 167 may be 110 to 160degrees, 120 to 150 degrees, or about 135 degrees. Likewise, the concavetransition 116 may define any suitable angle 166. In some embodiments,the angle 166 may be 30 to 60 degrees, 40 to 50 degrees, or about 45degrees. It is believed that these transitions and these angles createlocalized deformation regions that act as stress concentrators. In use,the absorbent articles tend to create gentle bends proximate the stressconcentrators and thus facilitate conformance of the article to the bodyat that position.

The transition between the channel portion and the taper portion is alsomarked by a distinct change in curvature. For example, the channelportions 112 transition into the taper portions 114 at a second convextransition 118 along both longitudinal edges 119. The second convextransition 118 may define any suitable angle 168. In some embodiments,the angle 168 may be 5 to 30 degrees, 10 to 20 degrees, or about 10degrees. These transitions are also believed to create localizeddeformation regions that act as stress concentrators. In use, theconcave transitions 116 and the convex transitions 118 are believed topromote gentle controlled bending of the absorbent article at thelocation of the stress concentrators. This controlled bending furtherallows the absorbent article to conform to the wearer's body and allowsthe well portion, the channel portion, and the taper portion to beproperly aligned with the user's body.

In some embodiments, the absorbent article 10 may have a perimeter 95 ofany suitable shape as discussed above. For example, in some embodiments,the perimeter 95 may include a concave dip 102 in the posterior sectionof the absorbent article 10 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4. In someembodiments, the concave dip 102 may be substantially aligned with thelongitudinal centerline of the body conforming structure 32 to promote alongitudinal peak in the posterior portion of the absorbent article 10during use.

Referring to FIG. 5, the body conforming structure 32 has a first bodyconforming structure length 70. Likewise, the body side absorbent layer28 has a body side absorbent length 72 as illustrated in FIG. 4. In afirst embodiment, the body side absorbent length 72 may be 160 to 190mm, 170 to 180 mm, or about 175 mm. In these embodiments, the bodyconforming structure length 70 may be 110 to 135 mm, 115 to 125 mm, orabout 120 mm. In a second embodiment, the body side absorbent length 72may be 235 to 265 mm, 245 to 255 mm, or about 250 mm. In theseembodiments, the body conforming structure length 70 may be 165 to 190mm, 175 to 185 mm, or about 180 mm. In a third embodiment, the body sideabsorbent length 72 may be 275 to 305 mm, 280 to 300 mm, or about 290mm. In these embodiments, the body conforming structure length 70 may be190 to 215 mm, 200 to 210 mm, or about 205 mm. In a fourth embodiment,the body side absorbent length 72 may be 325 to 355 mm, 335 to 345 mm,or about 340 mm. In these embodiments, the body conforming structurelength 70 may be 225 to 250 mm, 235 to 245 mm, or about 240 mm. Invarious embodiments, the body conforming structure length 70 may be atleast 50%, at least 60%, or at least 70% of the body side absorbentlength 72. In some embodiments, the body conforming structure length 70may be 65-75% of the body side absorbent length 72.

The body conforming structure 32 has a body conforming structure width.The body conforming structure width may be variable along thelongitudinal centerline 50. For example, the body conforming structure32 defines a median anterior portion width 74, a median central portionwidth 76, and a median posterior portion width 78. As used herein, the“median width” of a given portion is the numeric value separating thehigher half of the widths within a given portion from the lower half ofthe widths within the same portion. The median width can be determinedby measuring the width of a given portion at 1 mm intervals along thelongitudinal centerline, arranging the measured values from lowest tohighest and selecting the middle value. If there is an even number ofmeasurements, then the median width is the average of the middle twomeasurements. In some embodiments, the median anterior portion width 74is greater than the median central portion width 76, which is greaterthan the median posterior portion width 78. In some embodiments, themedian anterior portion width 74 may be 40-60 mm, 45-55 mm, or about 52mm. In some embodiments, the median central portion width 76 may be10-40 mm, 20-30 mm, or about 27 mm. In some embodiments, the medianposterior portion width 78 may be 7-30 mm, 10-20 mm, or about 15 mm.

The body side absorbent layer 28 also defines a minimum width 61. In thefirst embodiment, the minimum width 61 may be 40 to 65 mm, 45 to 60 mm,or about 55 mm. In the second embodiment, the third embodiment, and thefourth embodiment, the minimum width 61 may be 50 to 75 mm, 55 to 65 mm,or about 60 mm. In some embodiments, the median central portion width 76of the body conforming structure 32 is 25-50% the minimum width 61 ofthe body side absorbent layer 28. In some embodiments, the mediancentral portion width 76 of the body conforming structure 32 is 40-45%the minimum width 61 of the body side absorbent layer 28.

The body conforming structure 32 defines a body conforming structureperipheral edge 33 which in turn defines a body conforming structurearea 34. Likewise, the body side absorbent layer 28 defines an outerperimeter 96 and the outer perimeter 96 defines a body side absorbentarea 97. In the first embodiment, the body side absorbent area 97 may be90 to 110 cm², 95 to 105 cm², or about 100 cm². In these embodiments,the body conforming structure area 34 may be 30 to 40 cm², 32 to 36 cm²,or about 34 cm². In the second embodiment, the body side absorbent area97 may be 180 to 210 cm², 190 to 200 cm², or about 195 cm². In theseembodiments, the body conforming structure 34 may be 30 to 45 cm², 35 to40 cm², or about 39 cm². In the third embodiment, the body sideabsorbent area 97 may be 220 to 260 cm², 230 to 250 cm², or about 240cm². In these embodiments, the body conforming structure 34 may be 40 to55 cm², 45 to 50 cm², or about 48 cm². In the fourth embodiment, thebody side absorbent area 97 may be 300 to 345 cm², 310 to 335 cm², orabout 325 cm². In these embodiments, the body conforming structure 34may be 55 to 75 cm², 60 to 70 cm², or about 65 cm². In variousembodiments, the body conforming structure area 34 may be at least 15%,at least 20%, or at least 30% the body side absorbent area 97. In someembodiments, the body conforming structure 34 may be about 20% the bodyside absorbent area 97.

In some embodiments, the absorbent article of the present invention mayalso include a supplemental body conforming structure. For example,referring now to FIG. 6, an absorbent article 80 is illustrated. Theabsorbent article 80 includes a liquid-permeable topsheet (also referredto as a body side liner) 20, a substantially liquid-impermeable backsheet 22, and an absorbent body 24 positioned between the back sheet 22and the topsheet 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the absorbent body24 includes an absorbent pledget 26 and a body side absorbent layer 28.In other embodiments, the absorbent body 24 may include a single layeror more than two layers as discussed herein (not illustrated). Theabsorbent article 80 is also illustrated with optional containment flaps40, containment elastics 42, containment flap carrier web 44, garmentattachment adhesive 46, and a peel strip 48.

The absorbent article 80 of FIG. 6 includes a body conforming structure32 and a supplemental body conforming structure 82. Together, the bodyconforming structure 32 and the supplemental body conforming structure82 define a composite body conforming structure 88. The body conformingstructure 32 defines a body conforming structure peripheral edge 33 anddefines a body conforming structure area 34. Likewise, the supplementalbody conforming structure 82 defines a supplemental body conformingperipheral edge 83 and defines a supplemental body conforming structurearea 84. In various embodiments, the body conforming structure area 34may be less than or equal to the supplemental body conforming structurearea 38 (not illustrated). In some embodiments, the body conformingstructure area 34 is greater than the supplemental body conformingstructure area 84 as illustrated in FIG. 6. In some embodiments, also asillustrated in FIG. 6, the body conforming structure 32 and thesupplemental body conforming structure 82 are aligned and concentric soas to form a composite body conforming structure 88 with graduated sidewalls which are believed to facilitate closer alignment and conformancewith the female anatomy.

The body conforming structure peripheral edge 33 also defines a bodyconforming structure shape 35. Likewise, the supplemental peripheraledge 83 also defines a supplemental body conforming structure shape 86.In various embodiments, the body conforming structure or thesupplemental body conforming structure may have any suitable shape. Insome embodiments, the body conforming structure may have a shape that isdifferent than the shape of the supplemental body conforming structure(not illustrated). In some embodiments, the body conforming structureshape 35 may be the same or substantially the same as the supplementalbody conforming structure shape 86 as illustrated in FIG. 6.

In various embodiments, the body conforming structure 32 and/or thesupplemental body conforming structure 82 may be symmetrical about alongitudinal centerline 50. In some embodiments, the body conformingstructure 32 and/or the supplemental body conforming structure 82 may beasymmetrical about a lateral centerline 52. For example, as illustratedin FIG. 6, the body conforming structure 32 and the supplemental bodyconforming structure 82 are both symmetrical about the longitudinalcenterline 50 and both are asymmetrical about the lateral centerline 52.

In some embodiments, the absorbent article of the present invention mayalso include an optional surge layer. For example, referring again toFIG. 2, the absorbent article 10 is illustrated with a surge layer 36positioned between the body conforming structure 32 and the body sideabsorbent layer 28.

In some embodiments, the absorbent article of the present invention mayalso include shaping bonds. For example, referring again to FIG. 2, theabsorbent article 10 may include shaping bonds 38 located proximate thebody conforming structure 32. In various embodiments, the shaping bondsmay partially or completely surround the body conforming structure. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the shaping bonds 38 partiallysurround the posterior portion 60 of the body conforming structure 32.The shaping bonds 38 are believed to create stress concentrators and mayfurther enhance the body conformance and bend of the articles at desiredlocations. Additionally, the shaping bonds 38 may be used to closelydrape the top sheet 20 around the body conforming structure 32 tomaintain the distinct shape of the body conforming structure 32 andfacilitate alignment and conformance of the absorbent article 10 to thebody of the wearer.

The shaping bonds 38 may be any suitable size and may have any suitablespacing. In some embodiments, the shaping bonds 38 may be used to jointhe top sheet 20 to the body conforming structure 32, the optional surgelayer 36, the body side absorbent layer 28, the retention layer 26, orthe back sheet 22, or any combination thereof. In various embodiments,the shaping bonds 38 may be formed using adhesive bonding, pressurebonding, ultrasonic bonding, heat bonding, shear bonding, mechanicalbonding, and the like, and combinations thereof.

In various embodiments, the body conforming structures of the presentinvention may further include one or more embossments. In variousembodiments, the embossments may be in any suitable location,orientation, and depth. In some embodiments, the embossments may begenerally aligned with the longitudinal centerline 50 of the absorbentarticle 10. The embossments may be formed using any suitable method suchas an embossing roll having any desired pattern on the surface thereof.In various embodiments, the body conforming structure 32 may be embossedindependently. In other embodiments, the body conforming structure 32may be embossed in conjunction with the body side liner 20, the optionalsurge 36, the absorbent body 24, the body side absorbent layer 28, theback sheet 22, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the topsheet 20, the body conforming structure 32, the optional surge 36, andthe body side absorbent layer 28 may be embossed together with alongitudinally oriented and centered embossment.

In various embodiments, the liquid permeable top sheet 20 may be madefrom any suitable material or combination of materials that are adaptedto handle menses and/or urine. The top sheet 20 may include a layerconstructed of any operative material, and may be a composite material.The top sheet 20 can include a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, apolymer film, a film-nonwoven fabric laminate or the like, as well ascombinations thereof. An exemplary top sheet material is a 20 gsmspunbond web made of 100% polypropylene fibers. In various embodiments,the top sheet material may be treated with a hydrophilic wetting agent.

The substantially liquid-impermeable back sheet 22 may be made from anysuitable material or combination of materials. For example, the backsheet 22 may include a polymeric film, a woven fabric, a nonwovenfabric, or the like, as well as combinations or composites thereof. Forexample, the back sheet may include a polymer film laminated to a wovenor nonwoven fabric. In a particular feature, the polymer film can becomposed of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester or the like, as wellas combinations thereof. An exemplary back sheet may include 0.9 milpolyethylene film.

The body conforming structure 32 and/or the supplemental body conformingstructure 82 may be any suitable material adapted for receiving surgesof urine. The body conforming structure 32 and/or the supplemental bodyconforming structure 82 may be a single layer of material or multiplelayers of material. In various embodiments, the body conformingstructure 32 and/or the supplemental body conforming structure 82 arediscrete materials positioned proximate the absorbent body. In otherwords, in various embodiments, the body conforming structure 32 and/orthe supplemental body conforming structure 82 are not formed as part ofthe absorbent body. Suitable body conforming structures 32 and/orsupplemental body conforming structures 82 are taught in U.S. Pat. No.5,562,650 to Everett et al., the entirety of which is incorporatedherein where not contradictory.

In some embodiments the body conforming structure 32 and/or thesupplemental body conforming structure 82 may be a single layer of 128gsm bonded-carded web with through air bonded hollow polypropylenefibers. In some embodiments, the body conforming structure 32 mayinclude two layers of a 128 gsm bonded-carded web with through airbonded hollow polypropylene fibers. In these embodiments, the bodyconforming structure 32 may be positioned over an optional surge layerhaving a single layer of 128 gsm bonded-carded web with through airbonded hollow polypropylene fibers. In some embodiments, the bodyconforming structure 32 may have a basis weight of at least 100, 150,200, 250, or 300 gsm.

In some embodiments, the body conforming structure 32 alone, or thecombination of the body conforming structure 32 and the supplementalbody conforming structure 82, may have a thickness of 2-8 mm, 3-7 mm, or4-6 mm. In these embodiments, the absorbent article 10 may have a wholearticle thickness of 10 to 13 mm, 11 to 12 mm, or about 11.5 mm. Thus,in some embodiments, the body conforming structure 32 may have athickness that is at least 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50% thethickness of the entire absorbent article 10. As used herein, the“thickness” of an element or an article is determined by using a 44 by125 mm (1.75 by 5 inch) acrylic block with a mass of 120 grams inconjunction with a digital indicator. The digital indicator is alignedwith the acrylic block's center point and zeroed prior to insertion ofthe article or element being measured. The acrylic block is centeredover the body conforming structure 32 with the long dimension alignedwith the longitudinal centerline of the article or element beingmeasured. The thickness of the body conforming structure 32 alone, orthe combination of the body conforming structure 32 and the supplementalbody conforming structure 82, is determined by removing the respectivelayer or layers from the absorbent article and centering the acrylicblock over said layers with the long dimension aligned with thelongitudinal centerline of the layers being measured.

In various embodiments, the body conforming structure 32 and/or thesupplemental body conforming structure 82 may be devoid or substantiallydevoid of absorbent fibers. For example, in some embodiments, the bodyconforming structure 32 and/or the supplemental body conformingstructure 82 may be devoid, or substantially devoid, of cellulosefibers. In some embodiments, the body conforming structure 32 and/or thesupplemental body conforming structure 82 may be devoid, orsubstantially devoid, of superabsorbent material. In some embodiments,the body conforming structure 32 and/or the supplemental body conformingstructure 82 may be nonwoven fabrics such as spunbond webs, meltblownwebs, airlaid webs and bonded-carded webs composed of synthetic polymerfibers. Suitable fibers include for example, polyester fibers,polypropylene fibers, polyester/polyethylene bicomponent fibers,polypropylene/polyethylene bicomponent fibers and the like, as well asblends and other combinations thereof. In various embodiments, the bodyconforming structure 32 and/or the supplemental body conformingstructure 82 may be at least 90 or at least 95% synthetic polymerfibers. In various embodiments, the body conforming structure 32 and/orthe supplemental body conforming structure 82 may be composed of asubstantially hydryophobic material, and the hydrophobic material mayoptionally be treated with a surfactant or otherwise processed to imparta desired level of wettability and hydrophilicity.

The material used for the retention layer 26 may include cellulosicfibers (e.g., wood pulp fibers), other natural fibers, synthetic fibers,woven or nonwoven sheets, scrim netting or other stabilizing structures,superabsorbent material, binder materials, surfactants, selectedhydrophobic materials, pigments, lotions, odor control agents or thelike, as well as combinations thereof. In some embodiments, theretention layer 26 is a matrix of cellulosic fluff and superabsorbenthydrogel-forming particles. In addition, the retention layer may bewrapped by a liquid permeable wrapsheet to maintain the integrity whenwet and to inhibit migration of absorbent materials.

The cellulosic fluff may comprise a blend of wood pulp fluff. Thesuperabsorbent material may be present in the absorbent in an amount offrom about 0 to about 90 weight percent based on total weight. Theabsorbent material may have a density within the range of about 0.1 toabout 0.45 grams per cubic centimeter. In some embodiments the densityis greater than 0.25 g/cc. Superabsorbent materials are well known inthe art and can be selected from natural, synthetic, and modifiednatural polymers and materials. The superabsorbent materials can beinorganic materials, such as silica gels, or organic compounds, such ascrosslinked polymers. Typically, a superabsorbent material is capable ofabsorbing at least about 15 times its weight in liquid, and suitably iscapable of absorbing more than about 25 times its weight in liquid.Suitable superabsorbent materials are readily available from varioussuppliers.

In addition to cellulosic fibers and superabsorbent materials, theretention layer may also contain adhesive elements and/or syntheticfibers that provide stabilization and attachment when appropriatelyactivated. Additives such as adhesives may be of the same or differentaspect from the cellulosic fibers; for example, such additives may befibrous, particulate, or in liquid form; adhesives may possess either acurable or a heat-set property. Such additives can enhance the integrityof the bulk absorbent structure, and alternatively or additionally mayprovide adherence between facing layers of the folded structure.

The retention layer 26 may be a single layer of absorbent materials ormay be a multilayer structure. Each of the layers can contain similarmaterials or different materials. The retention layer 26 may bepartially or wholly wrapped or encompassed by a suitable tissue ornonwoven wrap that aids in maintaining the integrity and shape of thepad. One suitable wrapsheet is 12 gsm wettablespunbond-meltblown-spunbond laminate.

The bodyside absorbent layer 28 may be a single layer of absorbentmaterial or may be a multiple layer structure. In some embodiments, thebodyside absorbent layer 28 may be made with the same materials asdescribed above with regard to the retention layer 26. In someembodiments, the bodyside absorbent layer 28 is a thermally-bonded,stabilized airlaid fibrous web such as 100 gsm airlaid. In someembodiments, the absorbent body may include a body side absorbent layerhaving 30-50% or about 40% superabsorbent material in combination with aretention layer having 50-70% or about 60% superabsorbent material. Inother embodiments, the absorbent body may include a body side absorbentlayer having 100% airlaid fibers in combination with a retention layerhaving 70-90% or about 80% superabsorbent material.

The garment attachment adhesive 46 may be applied to the garment side ofthe backsheet 22. The garment attachment adhesive 46 may be composed ofany suitable adhesive. For example, the garment attachment adhesive 46may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive such as EASYMELT 34-5602, availablefrom National Starch and Chemical Company.

The peel strip 48 may be added to cover the garment attachment adhesive46 to prevent adhesive contamination. Examples of suitable peel sheets48 include a silicone coated Kraft paper, a silicone coated film, or thelike. Other release coatings include coatings containingpolytetrafluoroethylene.

The containment flaps 40 of the present invention may consist of acarrier web 44, elastic elements 42, and construction adhesive (notshown). The flap carrier web 44 is desirably constructed of a liquidimpermeable material, but may instead be constructed of a liquidpermeable material. An example of an acceptable carrier web is a 26.5gsm spunbond web made of polypropylene fibers. A wide variety of elasticmaterials may be used for the flap elastic members 42. As is well knownto those skilled in the art, suitable elastic materials include sheets,strands or ribbons of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or thermoplasticelastomeric polymers. The elastic materials can be stretched and adheredto a substrate, adhered to a gathered substrate, or adhered to asubstrate and then elasticized or shrunk, for example with theapplication of heat, such that elastic retractive forces are imparted tothe substrate.

In some aspects, any of the various absorbent articles with the variousbody conforming structures described herein may be part of one or morearrays of products. For example, referring now to FIG. 7, a first array130 of products is representatively illustrated. The first array 130includes a first absorbent article 132 and a second absorbent article134. Both the first absorbent article 132 and the second absorbentarticle 134 are illustrated with portions cut away to illustrateunderlying features.

The first absorbent article of the first array 130 may have anycombination of the features of the absorbent articles described herein.For example, the first absorbent article 132 may include a first bodyside liner 136, a first back sheet 138, and a first absorbent body 140positioned between the first body side liner 136 and the first backsheet 138. The first absorbent body 140 defines a first absorbent bodylength 144. The first absorbent article 132 includes a first bodyconforming structure 142. The first body conforming structure 142defines a first body conforming structure length 146 that is at least50% the first absorbent body length 144. The first body conformingstructure 142 defines a first body conforming structure shape 148. Thefirst body conforming structure 142 includes an anterior portion havinga median anterior portion width, a posterior portion having a medianposterior portion width, and a central portion positioned between theanterior portion and the posterior portion and having a median centralportion width. The median anterior portion width is greater than themedian central portion width and the median central portion width isgreater than the median posterior portion width.

The second absorbent article of the first array 130 may have anycombination of the features of the absorbent articles described herein.For example, the second absorbent article 134 may include a second bodyside liner 152, a second back sheet 154, and a second absorbent body 156positioned between the second body side liner 152 and the second backsheet 154. The second absorbent body 156 defines a second absorbent bodylength 160. The second absorbent article 134 includes a second bodyconforming structure 158. The second body conforming structure 158defines a second body conforming structure length 162 that is at least50% the second absorbent body length 160. The second body conformingstructure 158 defines a second body conforming structure shape 164. Thesecond body conforming structure shape 164 includes an anterior portionhaving a median anterior portion width, a posterior portion having amedian posterior portion width, and a central portion positioned betweenthe anterior portion and the posterior portion and having a mediancentral portion width. The median anterior portion width is greater thanthe median central portion width and the median central portion width isgreater than the median posterior portion width.

In the first array 130, the first body conforming structure shape 148 isthe same or is substantially the same as the second body conformingstructure shape 164. In various embodiments of the first array 130, thefirst absorbent body length 144 may be greater than, less than, or thesame as the second absorbent body length 160. In some embodiments, thefirst absorbent body length 144 may be at least 10%, at least 15%, or atleast 20% greater than the second absorbent body length 160. In variousembodiments of the first array 130, the first body conforming structure142 may define a first body conforming structure area and the secondbody conforming structure 164 may define a second body conformingstructure area wherein the first body conforming structure area isgreater than, less than, or the same as the second body conformingstructure area.

In various embodiments of the first array 130, the first absorbent body140 defines a first absorbent body peripheral edge 141 that defines afirst absorbent body shape 139. Likewise, the second absorbent body 156includes a second absorbent body peripheral edge 157 that defines asecond absorbent body shape 155. In various embodiments of the firstarray, the first absorbent body shape may be the same as the secondabsorbent body shape. In other embodiments of the first array 130, thefirst absorbent body shape 139 is different than the second absorbentbody shape 155. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the firstabsorbent body shape 139 generally has a curved shape with concave sideedges and rounded ends. In comparison, the second absorbent body shapeis 155 is generally rectangular.

Referring again to FIG. 7, a second array 170 of products isrepresentatively illustrated. The second array 170 includes the secondabsorbent article 134 described above and a third absorbent article 172.The third absorbent article 172 is illustrated with portions cut away toillustrate underlying features.

The second absorbent article 134 of the second array 170 may have anycombination of the features of the absorbent articles described herein.The third absorbent article 172 of the second array 170 may include anycombination of the features of the absorbent articles described herein.For example, the third absorbent article 172 may include a third bodyside liner 174, a third back sheet 176, and a third absorbent body 178positioned between the third body side liner 174 and the third backsheet 176. The third absorbent body 178 defines a third absorbent bodylength 182. The third absorbent article 172 also includes an opening 180that defines an opening length 184 that is at least 50% the thirdabsorbent body length 182. The opening 180 defines an opening shape 186.The opening shape 186 includes an anterior portion having a mediananterior portion width, a posterior portion having a median posteriorportion width, and a central portion positioned between the anteriorportion and the posterior portion and having a median central portionwidth. The median anterior portion width is greater than the mediancentral portion width and the median central portion width is greaterthan the median posterior portion width. Other suitable openings aredescribed in the U.S. Patent Application entitled “Absorbent ArticleWith Recessed Body Conforming Structure” (Ser. No. 13/412,103) byDieringer et al. and filed on the same date as the present application.The entirety of said application is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety except where contradictory.

In the second array 170, the second body conforming shape 164 is thesame or is substantially the same as the opening shape 186. In variousembodiments of the second array 170, the second absorbent body length160 may be greater than, less than, or the same as the third absorbentbody length 182. In some embodiments, the second absorbent body length160 may be at least 10%, at least 15%, or at least 20% greater than thethird absorbent body length 182. In some embodiments, the secondabsorbent body length 160 may be at least 10%, at least 15%, or at least20% less than the third absorbent body length 182. In variousembodiments of the second array 170, the second body conformingstructure 158 may define a second body conforming structure area and theopening 180 may define an opening area wherein the second bodyconforming structure area is greater than, less than, or the same as theopening area.

In various embodiments of the second array 170, the second absorbentbody 156 defines a second absorbent body peripheral edge 157 thatdefines a second absorbent body shape 155. Likewise, the third absorbentbody 178 defines a third absorbent body peripheral edge 179 that definesa third absorbent body shape 177. In various embodiments of the secondarray, the second absorbent body shape may be the same as the thirdabsorbent body shape. In other embodiments of the second array 170, thesecond absorbent body shape 155 is different than the third absorbentbody shape 177. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the secondabsorbent body shape 155 is generally rectangular. In comparison, thethird absorbent body shape 177 is generally a curved shape with concaveside edges and rounded ends.

Referring again to FIG. 7, a third array 190 of products isrepresentatively illustrated. The third array 190 includes the firstabsorbent article 132 described above, the second absorbent article 134described above, and the third absorbent article 172 described above.However, in various embodiments, the first absorbent article 132, thesecond absorbent article 134, and/or the third absorbent article 172 ofthe third array 190 may include any combination of features of theabsorbent articles described herein. In the third array 190, the firstbody conforming structure shape 148, the second body conformingstructure shape 164, and the opening shape 186 are the same or aresubstantially the same. In various embodiments of the third array 190,the first absorbent body length 144 may be greater than, less than, orthe same as the second absorbent body length 160 and/or the thirdabsorbent body length 182. In various embodiments of the third array190, the first absorbent body conforming shape 148 may be the same as ordifferent than the second absorbent body shape 155 and/or the thirdabsorbent body shape 177.

While the invention has been described in detail with respect tospecific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilledin the art, upon attaining understanding of the foregoing, will readilyappreciate alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to theseembodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should beassessed as that of the appended claims and any equivalents thereto.Additionally, all combinations and/or sub-combinations of the disclosedembodiments, ranges, examples, and alternatives are also contemplated.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An array of absorbent articles comprising,a first absorbent article comprising a first body side liner, a firstback sheet, a first absorbent body positioned between the first bodyside liner and the first back sheet wherein the first absorbent bodydefines a first absorbent body length and a first body conformingstructure positioned in direct facing relation with the first body sideliner, wherein the first body conforming structure is aligned with alongitudinal centerline of the first absorbent article and wherein thefirst body conforming structure has a first body conforming structurelength that is at least 50% the first absorbent body length and definesa first body conforming structure area, a first body conformingstructure shape, an anterior portion having a median anterior portionwidth, a posterior portion having a median posterior portion width, anda central portion positioned between the anterior portion and theposterior portion and having a median central portion width, wherein themedian anterior portion width is greater than the median central portionwidth and the median central portion width is greater than the medianposterior portion width, a second absorbent article comprising a secondbody side liner, a second back sheet, a second absorbent body positionedbetween the second body side liner and the second back sheet wherein thesecond absorbent body defines a second absorbent body length, and asecond body conforming structure positioned in direct facing relationwith the second body side liner, wherein the second body conformingstructure is aligned with a longitudinal centerline of the secondabsorbent article and wherein the second body conforming structure has asecond body conforming structure length that is at least 50% the secondabsorbent body tenth and defines a second body conforming structurearea, a second body conforming structure shape, an anterior portionhaving a median anterior portion width, a posterior portion having amedian posterior portion width, and a central portion positioned betweenthe anterior portion and the posterior portion and having a mediancentral portion width, wherein the median anterior portion width isgreater than the median central portion width and the median centralportion width is greater than the median posterior portion width,wherein the first absorbent body length is at least 10% greater than thesecond absorbent body length and wherein the first body conformingstructure shape is substantially the same as the second body conformingstructure shape.
 2. The array of claim 1 wherein the first absorbentbody includes a first absorbent body peripheral edge that defines afirst absorbent body shape and the second absorbent body includes asecond absorbent body peripheral edge that defines a second absorbentbody shape that is different than the first absorbent body shape.
 3. Thearray of claim 1 further comprising a third absorbent article, the thirdabsorbent article comprising, a third body side liner, a third backsheet, a third absorbent body positioned between the third body sideliner and the third back sheet wherein the third absorbent body includesan opening and defines a third absorbent body length, the openingdefining an opening area, an opening shape, an anterior portion having amedian anterior portion width, a posterior portion having a medianposterior portion width, and a central portion positioned between theanterior portion and, the posterior portion and having a median centralportion width, wherein the median anterior portion width is greater thanthe median central portion width and the median central portion width isgreater than the median posterior portion width, and wherein the openingincludes a peripheral edge that defines an opening shape that issubstantially the same as the first body conforming structure shape andthe second body conforming structure shape.
 4. The array of claim 3wherein the third absorbent body defines a third absorbent body lengthand the opening defines an opening length that is at least 50% the thirdabsorbent body length.